Obituaries
Linda K. Woodbury
Linda Kay Woodbury, age 69, of Crouse, North Carolina, formerly of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 7, 2021. She was born July 20, 1951, in Charlotte, the daughter of Paul and Mildred (Wise) Holmes. Linda had a passion for drawing and could often be found with a pencil and paper creating her next work of art. She enjoyed spending time with her family, feeding her many animals, and watching old movies. Linda also enjoyed her work at Childer’s Potato Chip Factory in North Carolina.
Linda is survived by her children, Nora (William) Dean of Hastings, Ronald Daniels of Crouse, North Carolina, William (Ashley) Woodbury of Nashville, Paula Carver of Bessemer City, North Carolina; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wesley Woodbury in 2007; sister, Marsha Holmes; and brother, John Holmes.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 12 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
Mary E. Jordan
Mary Elizabeth Jordan, of Eaton Rapids, passed away May 15, 2021 at the age of 86. Mary was born in Lansing, July 7, 1934, the daughter of Harold and Elizabeth (Melenik) Houghtaling. She retired from Dart Container in 2008 with 30 years of service. Mary attended St. Peter Catholic Church and was a huge Elvis Presley fan. She loved to watch television, especially, the Food Channel and Hallmark movies, work on puzzle books, read and listen to old country music.
Mary is survived by her son, Bruce Tobi of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; daughter-in-law, Violet Jordan of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Mary Bartlett, Andria Seelinger, David (Lori) Jordan, Theresa (Mickey) Watson, Chase Jordan, Helena Jordan, Crystal (Benjamin) Geddie; 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Richard Jordan and Phil Houghtaling; son, David Jordan.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. To place online condolences please visit MillsFuneral.com.
Maida R. Hawley
Maida Ruthe Hawley, of Onondaga, Mich. passed on June 2, 2021, at the age of 85. Maida was born on July 23, 1935, in Manton, Mich., the daughter of Beacher T and Beatrice (Stewart) Raymond. She moved to Onondaga and graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1953. Maida worked for the State of Michigan in the Treasury Department for three years before leaving to stay home and raise her family and take care of the home. She received a 60-year pin for the Associated County Women of the World and attended seven conventions. She was also a 40-year member of the TOPS club, long time member of Griffith United Methodist Church, 4-H leader and a dedicated MSU women’s basketball season ticket holder and fan. Maida attended Big Ten tournaments, Final Fours and traveled to watch them in Puerto Rico and across the U.S.A. She also enjoyed word puzzles, basket weaving and collecting antiques.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Myrl Hawley; daughters, Mari Jo Hawley, Marjorie Hawley, Melissa “Missy” (Troy) Russell; son, M. Steven (Diana) Hawley; grandchildren, Ryan (Wendy) Hawley, Amber Hawley, Matthew (Brandy) Collier, Victoria “Tori” Hawley, T.M. (Melissa) Russell, Ace (Lindsay Coats) Russell, Tyler Hawley; nine great-grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.
Maida is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Rosamond Mead.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Pope Church in memory of Maida.
Henry E. Mire Jr.
Henry Ervin Mire Jr., age 67, of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 4, 2021, at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. Henry was born May 14, 1954, in Lansing, the son of Henry and Anna Mae (Lance) Mire. Henry was a farm boy at heart. At a young age he enjoyed his time spent working with his family on their dairy farm. Henry had a passion for cattle and prided himself on their record keeping, nutrition, and comfort. Henry also worked for Wohlert Corporation in Lansing for many years. He enjoyed harness horse racing and playing softball. Henry faithfully served his country in the United States Army.
Henry is survived by his siblings, Jerry (Jackie) Mire of Potterville, Connie (David) Berkimer of Nashville, Max (Sheila) Mire of Onondaga, Harlow (Tammy) Mire of Eaton Rapids; sister-in-law, Anita Mire of Eaton Rapids; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Elias J. Mire, P. Joe Mire of Hastings, and Penny (Steve) Oberlin of Eaton Rapids.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 12:45 p.m. at the Markham Cemetery in Delhi Township. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Henry’s memory to the Eaton Rapids FFA.
To view Henry’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
Harold D. Becker
Harold Duane Becker, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away peacefully surrounded by his lifelong friends and family on July 9, 2020, at the age of 85. Harold was born on June 24, 1935, in Lansing, Mich., the son of George and Mary (King) Becker. He was raised in Eaton Rapids but attended school in Olivet until he left to help his family and work on the farm. Harold proudly served in the United State Army from 1956 to 1958. He worked for Oldsmobile as a forklift operator for 25 years retiring in 1979. Harold enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and loved vacationing to Arizona where he spent many winters with his wife, Gladys. He was also very active at the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center in Eaton Rapids where he enjoyed playing cards, listening to the live music, and socializing with friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Gladys; daughters, Cheryl Shook, Kathy Leikhem; son, Garry Becker and his parents.
Surviving are his children, Nancy Becker, Mike Becker; grandchildren, Sharla (James) Barr, Kristen Pardo, John McCarthy, Adam Becker, Paul Riner, Michelle Quick; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Larry (Beverly) Becker; sister-in-law, Marcella Becker; good friends, Bob (Connie) Bolyard, Ron (Connie) Hoag, Chris Hoffman and numerous extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the First Congregational Church in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund in memory of Harold. To share memories or condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Michael W. Lyon
Michael Wayne Lyon, of Eaton Rapids, passed away June 3, 2021, at the age of 56. Michael was born in Eaton Rapids, October 25, 1964, the son of Jerry and Janice Lyon. He was a 1983 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Michael was a member of the Michigan Milk Production Association, the Dairy Herd Improvement Association and Farm Bureau. He devoted his life to his dairy farm working from graduation till the day the Lord called him home. Michael won many awards for being the top production herd in Eaton and Barry County.
Michael is survived by his parents; brothers, Eric Lyon of Springfield, Mo., David Lyon of Mason, Russell (Shelley) Lyon of Mason; his beloved dogs Harley and Willey.
Funeral services took place on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center, 8601 Houston Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or to the donor’s choice of charity. To place online condolences, please visit millsfuneral.com.
Robert Dale Milbourn
Robert “Bob” Dale Milbourn, age 84, of Republic, Missouri, formerly of Michigan, died May 30, 2021. The family is in the care of Meadors Funeral Home (meadorsfuneralhome.com).
Murray Marsh
Murray “Mule” Marsh died saving puppies from a burning building. Well, maybe not. We all know how much he loved telling stories. Saying goodbye to a man like Murray is hard because he was larger than life. He was a presence in more ways than one. Physically, you couldn’t miss him. His shoulders alone cleared the way in many crowds. Many of you may have seen more of him than you wished to at the dinner table but as he would say “if you don’t like it, don’t look.” His style was one of a kind. Yes, he was a physical legend, but his personality shone even brighter. Murray was an honest, kindhearted, hardworking, generous man who was also a little stubborn sometimes – okay, all the time. He was someone you trusted that you could call on when you needed a lift or a laugh. His humor was unbridled, and he often told jokes at your expense and we loved it. He’d often steal your milk when you weren’t looking or shift the car into neutral from the passenger seat just to see the look on your face when you noticed what he’d done.
He was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, and a devoted friend. He was a retired welder for General Motors, an Army veteran, a township official, a champion weightlifter, and a very proud farmer. He was a simple man. He travelled the world but always found home to be his favorite place. He took great pride in caring for the people and land around him and he was never without a four-legged buddy by his side. He taught us so much about life and when we look to the future without him, we will find ourselves asking, “what would Murray do?”
With Murray you knew exactly where you stood because he did not waste his time. When he loved you, he really loved you, and you knew it. Murray leaves behind countless individuals whose lives will not be the same without him, including his wife of nearly 60 years, Betty; his daughters, Terri (Dean) Hanton, Jerri (Jeff) Blust, and Kelli (Col. Mike) Shreves; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his brother, Morris (Joan) Marsh; and many very close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Garry and Jackie Marsh. We will miss him every day but will remember him whenever we smell the scent of fresh-mowed grass or enjoy some butter pecan ice cream.
Join us in honoring the life of Murray “Mule” Marsh on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at 2 p.m. at 8495 Bridge Highway, Dimondale. For your comfort, please bring your own chairs. “Murray casual” dress is required. A sweatshirt with cut off sleeves is optional. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Murray’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kathleen L. Vance
Kathleen “Kathy” Lynn Vance, loud, full of laughter, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021. Kathy, 56, of Dimondale, was born August 14, 1964, in Hastings, Mich., the daughter of William and Patsy (McMillen) Semrau. She began working for the Charlotte Public Schools as a bus driver and later took on the role as the transportation supervisor. Kathy has touched the lives of so many people throughout her 27 years at Charlotte Public Schools. She was passionate and bossy, however she wasn’t just a boss, she was a friend. Kathy will be remembered for her ability to connect with anyone that she crossed paths with. Later in life Kathy married Richard Vance, and together the couple took on a love for motorcycles. Kathy wanted to become that “biker chick.” The couple joined the Capital Harley Owners Group “HOG,” and created a large circle of friends. Her hobbies include camping (or should we say glamping), being in the sun, collecting knick knacks, candles – well anything that smelled good, and she also loved bling and sparkles. Above all Kathy’s biggest passion in her life was her family. Her family will always cherish her love of Christmas and the items that she gifted, and also her love for the family Christmas tree.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Richard; children, Tucker (Michelle) Fuller, Dalton (Karin) Fuller; parents, William and Patsy Semrau; siblings, Brenda (Michael) Mauk, Jack (Samantha) Semrau; stepchildren, Christi (Don) Grinnell, Jason (Trisha) Vance; grandchildren, Benjamin, Hunter, Madelyn, Christine, Trason; and countless close friends. She was predeceased by her grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support Kathy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Charlotte High School football field, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m., with her Uncle Michael “Mick” McMillian officiating. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Kathy’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family to assist with ongoing medical expenses for her husband Richard, checks payable to Dalton Fuller. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Troy Bass
Troy Bass, 51, of Vermontville, died on Friday, April 23, 2021 in Bellevue Township from injuries sustained in an auto accident.
Troy was born on May 18, 1969 in Battle Creek to Larry A. and Loralie A. (Cronk) Bass. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1987. He married Michele Ameling and together they had a daughter, Sara. On May 23, 2001, he married Cindy S. Rugg-Beers and they raised a blended family of three children together for nearly 20 years.
Troy worked at several different auto manufacturing plants in the Lansing area. He recently retired from Loc Performance. Troy was a member of Bellevue Conservation Club and National Rifle Association. Troy and Cindy enjoyed traveling and going on vacations, and their favorite was a cruise they took in 2019. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and an avid Michigan State University fan. Troy also enjoyed camping, and spent many summers camping with his friends at Lake of Dreams campground in Merrill. Troy had passion for hunting and outdoors which he enjoyed sharing with others, teaching hunter safety for many years.
He is survived by his wife Cindy; children Sara (Jake) Esselink, Clayton (Kayla) Beers and Rachelle Beers; his father and step-mother Larry and Diane Bass; grandchildren, Julia, Chase, Adalyn, Bentley and Kyler; siblings Danny (Kelly) Bass and Michelle (John) Bush; nieces and nephews, Kenneth Bass, Joshua Bass, Hailey French, Brynlee Bass. He was preceded in death by his mother, Loralie Hunter on April 23, 2021 and step-father Ross Hunter on April 10, 2021.
Visitation will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N. Elizabeth Street, Bellevue, MI 49021, with funeral service taking place at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions are requested to the family to help with Cindy’s medical expenses (payable to Clayton Beers). Memorial contributions may be mailed to the Kempf Funeral Home, P.O. Box 519, Marshall, MI 49068 for delivery to the charity. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.